From $7,290 per person
12 days
5 countries
Ships: ms Joy, ms Savor

Tauck
Along the "river of kings"... medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals... charming riverside villages... the Imperial treasures of the Habsburgs... lush Wachau valley vineyards... the music of Mozart... From Prague to Budapest, castles of all descriptions have watched over the landscape from their royal perches for centuries. On this 12-day journey featuring a 9-night Danube cruise, they remain lasting testimony to kingdoms and culture, ready to welcome you… during a private dinner in Lobkowicz Palace… an exclusive evening of Imperial entertainment at a private Vienna palace... in Baroque Salzburg and atop Budapest's Castle Hill... and exploring Vienna's Hofburg or Schönbrunn Palace. It's a Blue Danube cruise to remember!
Fourteen days. Open any day for the full narrative and that day's highlights.
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Why Book With Us
The cruise fare is identical whether you book direct with Tauck or by Small Ship Travel. Cruise lines set their fares, and they do not discount them for direct bookings. Loyalty Program members earn 2% to 5% credit per booking, in addition to any rewards from the cruise line, and points carry across every cruise line we book.
| Book Direct | Book by Small Ship Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| The cruise fare | From $7,290 per person | From $7,290 per person. The fare is the fare. |
| Loyalty credit | The line's own program | 2–5% credit earned per booking for members, in addition to any rewards you receive from the cruise line* |
| Advice | Tauck's ships, known well | We compare across Viking, AmaWaterways, Silversea, and the rest, then put you on the right one |
| Cabin selection | Brochure categories | Which cabins to target on this ship, and which lose their view and natural light when a second ship moors alongside |
| If plans change | The line's call center | An advocate who knows you, your booking, and people at the line |
* Credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking. $250 credit for new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel. Loyalty Program details
or call 1-888-318-3110 before you finalize anything
* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.
** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication
Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the ms Esprit, a masterpiece of design and comfort.

Experience an intimate, luxurious journey aboard the ms Esprit, designed for unforgettable river cruising along the Danube and Rhine. With its elegant style and focus on comfort, this 361-foot riverboat is a perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation. Hosting just 98 guests, the ms Esprit offers spacious accommodations, including Tauck Suites with plush bedding, walk-in closets, and private balconies showcasing breathtaking riverside views. Larger cabins measure up to 300 square feet, while cozy yet stylish options are also available. Most rooms feature floor-to-ceiling French balconies, inviting you to enjoy fresh air and scenery at any moment. Delight your palate at Compass Rose, the ship’s main dining room, or savor casual bites at Arthur’s. Whether mingling with fellow travelers in the lounge or marveling at fairy-tale castles from the Sun Deck, every moment aboard promises serenity and charm. The ms Esprit redefines river cruising with sophistication and warmth.
Read what our guests have to say about their unforgettable experiences with us.
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consultation
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